EVALUATE ELECTORAL SYSTEM REPRESENTATION Flashcards
4 paragraphs
-Voting choice
-MP dying or resigning
-Majority governments
-Constituency results
Point voting choice
Under FPTP voters simply choose a single candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins the seat for that constituency.
Example voting choice
For example, the MP for the Gordon constituency is Richard Thomson
Analyse voting choice
This is good in terms of representation as constituents have one clear representative that they can approach to represent their views in Parliament, creating a strong link between the constituents and the MP.
Compare voting choice
However, in comparison, with a system like AMS voters are represented by eight different MSPs and this can lead to confusion about which MSP to contact if they have a problem, which makes FPTP a better system
Point majority governments
First past the post typically creates majority governments because majority votes are not needed in order to win the election.
2x example majority governments
For example in 2019, 2015 and 2010 the conservatives won a majority of seats
For example, in 2019 when the conservatives got a majority of 80 seats they finally managed to achieve Brexit as promised in their manifesto.
Analyse majority governments
This is effective because the consistency of a single party government can allow the party in charge to introduce new laws and action their promises on their manifesto. This is because they are not being held back by coalition compromises.
Compare majority governments
However, in comparison, AMS or STV systems typically form coalitions or minority governments which can be a problem as laws can take longer to be passed and disagreements be had in coalitions. The strong governments in FPTP make it a better system as people who voted for the party will be happy as promises are being followed through
Point MP dying or resigning
the FPTP system allows a by-election to be held in order to replace the MP.
Example MP dying or resigning
When MP Sir David Amess was killed in 2021, a by-election was completed to replace his seat in the Southend seat.
Analyse MP dying or resigning
This is positive because voters keep a voice in their constituency rather than the decision be decided for them. It is also effective as it allows them to change their opinion of the party in charge of their constituency if they were poor the first time.
Compare MP dying or resigning
The Scottish Parliament system automatically chooses an MSP to take over a resigned or dead MSP from a party list. This makes FPTP a better system because Scottish citizens do not get the opportunity to re-elect and no longer have their say in their constituency whereas FPTP allows this.
Point constituency results
Can be poor at representation because the person with the most votes automatically wins the seat.
Example constituency results
For example, in Aberdeenshire West and Kincardine 2019, Andrew Bowie got 42.7% of the vote and Fergus Mutch got 41.1%. This meant that Andrew Bowie won, yet around 57% of voters (the majority) are unpleased with the result.
